SANTA ANA, Calif. (CN) – A widow claims her husband died because Kaiser did not test the levels of his heart medication as required, in Orange County Superior Court.

Angelita Adeva sued Kaiser Foundation Healthplan, Southern California Permanente Medical Group and Kaiser Foundation Hospital for the wrongful death of her husband, Juan Adeva.

Adeva says she took Juan to Kaiser because he was complaining about abdominal pain. The doctor diagnosed him with back pain, but Adeva asked the doctor to order blood tests to check the levels of digoxin, a medication for heart failure and abnormal heart rhythm, in his blood. 

Though these tests are important for older patients because high levels of the drug can cause problems for them, the doctor refused to order them, Adeva claims. Juan died soon after the visit, though the complaint does not specify when.

A week later, Kaiser sent Juan a letter stating he needed to have his digoxin levels tested, according to the complaint.

Adeva seeks general, punitive and exemplary damages, as well as reimbursement for medical, funeral, and burial expenses and court costs and fees.

            She is represented by Diana Lopez.